PCI modems and Linux

Disclaimer:
No responsibility for any loss and/or damages incurred
as a result of using this document
(or otherwise not using it)
is assumed whatsoever.

Most available PCI modems do not work under Linux,
since most PCI modems are lacking standard modem parts
and can not work under Linux
(at least not until the specifications
are revealed and the drivers have been written).
Moreover,
there is no speed advantage whatsoever of PCI modems vs. ISA modems,
so who cares.
If you are looking for a Linux-compatible modem,
see
Winmodems are not modems
for the list
of what is known to be modems or instead nonmodems
and for the current events,
and
Where to buy Linux-compatible modems
for the list of dealers.

Below is a list of a few controller-based PCI modems
(not all of them are specified as Linux-compatible),
with the links to installation instructions for Linux users.
The original HOW-TO written by Richard Nelson
can be found below.

Not all of these modems are explicitly mentioned to be Linux compatible.
There may be more PCI modems listed at
Winmodems are not modems.
Note: Actiontec's
56K PCI Pro (formerly "DeskLink Pro"), model PCI56019
is a nonmodem (winmodem), in spite of tempting
"56K PCI Pro is compatible with the latest in PC operating systems"
in its description.
So are most other PCI modems.

From tonilp@hotmail.com Mon Apr 26 16:24:43 1999
Andrew,
1) I have talked with RedHat on numerous occasions, and have sent
them the FAQ documents Friday. We will also be sending them a test
unit soon as well.
2) The reason it isn't mentioned with OS/2 is because I had just
finished testing it under OS/2 and hadn't tested it under Linux yet.
3) Attached is the FAQ document I wrote up, it has been sent to
RedHat and a few other's as well. Feel free to post it, Thomas Dodd
also helped greatly, along with Michael ( forgot the last name,
sorry ) and a few others. ( Tom, if you're reading this, call me at
work, I forgot your number!:)
4) Believe me, I COMPLETELY understand the need for not giving
newbies in particular the wrong advice, or the wrong idea. The last
thing we want is for everyone to go out and buy a bunch of PCI WIN
MODEMS ( such as the desklink Pro PCI ) and expect them to work under
Linux.
Regards
Richard Nelson
***INSTALLATION OF V90 PCI LUCENT VENUS BASED MODEM***
I. After physically installing the modem, log into your "Root" account.
II. To determine resource settings.
Type the following command: cat /proc/pci
An example of the outcome will look like this;
5. Non-prefetchable 32 bit memory at 0x00000000.
Bus 0, device 17, function 0:
Communication controller: Unknown vendor Unknown device (rev 0).
Vendor id=11c1. Device id=480.
Medium devsel. Fast back-to-back capable. IRQ 11. Master Capable.
No bursts.
Min Gnt=252.Max Lat=14
Non-prefetchable 32 bit memory at 0xe4000000.
I/O at 0x6400.
I/O at 0x6800.
I/O at 0x6c00.
III. Take note of the IRQ, and FIRST I/O address, then type in this command;
cd /dev; test -c ttyS3 || ./MAKEDEV ttyS3; chmod 666 /dev/ttyS3
setserial /dev/ttyS3 uart 16550A port 0x6400 irq 11
ln -sf /dev/ttyS3 /dev/modem
You can probably use any other ttySX as well.
NOTE: THE IRQ AND PORT MAY VARY, IT IS DEPENDANT UPON THE RESULTS FROM STEP II
IV. To set Linux to configure the modem upon boot-up.
There are several options. One method is going to the /etc/rc.d/
directory, and using an editing program such as "jed" edit the
rc.local file, and insert
setserial /dev/ttyS3 uart 16550A port 0x6400 irq 11
as the last line.
_________________________________________________________
*TEST CONDITIONS:
OS: RedHat Linux 5.2 Boxed CD with Linux kernel 2.0.36
BIOS: AWARD
MOTHERBOARD: Shuttle Hot 557 w/i437 VX chipset and latest BIOS update.
CPU: Intel Pentium 166MMX cpu
MEMORY: 32 MB EDO RAM
VIDEO: PCI S3 Virge DX with 2mb memory
STORAGE: 820 Quantum EIDE Hard Drive, ATAPI CD-ROM, 3.5'' floppy
SOUND: Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE 32 PNP
* As each user with Linux is more than likely to have a unique setup,
the details listed above should comply with other versions of Linux as
well, ie Slackware, Redhat, etc. But are NOT 100% guaranteed to have
an identical setup method as far as exact commends, etc. are concerned.
Richard Nelson
Actiontec Electronics, INC
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1999 11:07:21 -0400
From: Thor Johnson
To: gromitkc@o2.net
Subject: Multitech MT5634ZPX-PCI -- Good
Just wanted to let you know that its no longer uncharted territory ;)
We got one & it works. You have to follow the instructions on
http://www.math.sunysb.edu/~comech/tools/PCImodems.html to initialize the
uart.
A bit pricey, but we needed a 56K internal PCI modem.
Thor Johnson
[email address snipped]
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